Living, Laughing, Loving, Loathing.

What is a friend?

It’s close to five years ago since I first began this blog, not having a clue what I was doing. Over time I’ve discovered I’m not interested in blogging for money, doing reviews or pushing for likes and followers.

This is my happy space. That place where I quite literally can put ‘My thoughts on a page.’ Beginning the blog coincided with a sad and difficult year in my life when my friends young boy became ill with leukemia and left this world, hopefully for a new adventure, eleven months later.

It was then I discovered that those I’d met here online were more than just followers. They read my posts and walked alongside me when the world seemed a darker place. Many of those who I first encountered almost five years ago, are still reading the nonsense I often write, and despite the fact we’ve not met I would consider them ‘friends’.

Last year I got to meet one such blog buddy, Beth, from ‘I didn’t have my glasses on.’ She came to Ireland for a holiday and penciled me in for a visit. What a fun afternoon we had and she was exactly how I imagined her to be in every way. It was a real highlight of last Summer.

Then would you believe it, it happened again. One of my best blog buddies Colleen, better known as Chatter Master from ‘The Chatter Blog’messaged to say she was coming to Ireland and would like to meet.

So yesterday was the day. I picked what I hoped would be a good place, lunch in a castle by the sea, and unlike normal me I got there early.

The day wasn’t too unkind to us. I walked into the courtyard and looked about, not expecting to see her, as remember I was early. But there she was, sitting at a bench, hair spiked, eyes sparkling, with the brightest of smiles on her face. I couldn’t quite believe it. We embraced as good friends do, despite never having met before and then again just for good measure.

Our lunch was a fun affair with plenty of laughter and stories shared. All too soon it was time to say goodbye. We exchanged gifts. I gave Colleen a small plaque with an Irish expression I’d used many times before, ‘Ah for Fecks sake’ on it (Don’t tell, but I’d given Beth the same gift last year and it had gone down well). I was more lucky in the gift department and Colleen gave me three of her books, much to my delight.

We had a quick photo shoot with her lovely other half suffering through our dislike of every photo he took, and then they were gone.

Today it’s all just a memory, but I will for a very long time treasure that first moment we set eyes on each other, two friends who have shared so much, finally stepping out from behind our laptops.

Enjoy the rest of your holiday Colleen and David. It was a real joy to meet you both. Safe travels.

Hahahaha. I just sent you this link. Great minds think alike.
What a great day. Now you can go home and say ‘We’d great craic’. Hope you didn’t get too wet in ‘Cob’ I think forever more Cobh will be Cob to me.

And I’ll make sure you don’t leave without meeting. I’ve met quite a lot of fellow Irish bloggers also which has always been wonderful but when you meet those from so far away it’s really special.
Hope you are keeping well?

i feel exactly the same way on all counts. it takes blogging to a whole other level and shows the genuine relationships that can develop through these sharings. (i’m happy that i finally earned your family’s trust as well, when they saw i was not actually a male serial killer – a bonus for all of us.) i loved my plaque and i’m sure colleen will love it just as much, it’s the phrase that just says things so perfectly at times. ❤

Haha. It all came back yesterday when my gang were saying, “You got away with it once!”
I really think ‘feck’ in all its forms is the most perfect of words.
Seeing Colleen yesterday brought back lovely memories of your visit last year and reminded me of how important your friendship has been these past few years.

Fortunate you, Tric, meeting these fine folk from our online world in the flesh! I’ve also met Beth, and am hoping to meet Colleen someday here in the States. If you ever make it near Syracuse, I’d love to say hello in person. 🙂

Heeheehee. You’re next on my hit list. I think you were one of my very first followers. I even went to Scotland but you weren’t there! If ever you’re in these parts look me up, I know a lovely Mass we could go to. 🙂

It’s great that you all met, and were able to venture away from the screen! I’ve talked to several friends outside of blogland, but haven’t had the chance to meet yet. Hopefully, someday. Five years sure goes by fast. I remember when you first began, Tric, and I think I’ve been blogging for five or six, too (with many breaks in between). 🙂 This is a wonderful forum to meet so many great people from all over the world…and if I ever get to Ireland, I’ll look you up!